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Ultimate Guide to Airbnb Living Room Essentials

Discover how to create an unforgettable Airbnb living room experience for your guests. Dive into the essentials, delightful extras, insider secrets, and savvy design tips that will transform your space into a cozy, welcoming haven that guests will rave about.

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By Karolyn Hutson

Published on June 4, 2023

In the world of Airbnb hosting, your rental’s living room takes center stage. It’s often the first space your guests enter, where they’ll likely unwind and make memories. That’s why it’s so important to pour love and thought into making it as cozy and welcoming as can be. In this piece, we will dive deep into the essentials, the delightful extras, the insider secrets, savvy design tips, and other key considerations that will help you create an Airbnb living room that’s nothing short of spectacular.

Airbnb Living Room Essentials: The Must-Haves

The must-haves are the essentials, the non-negotiables. These are the items that every Airbnb living room should have to ensure guest comfort and satisfaction.

Comfortable Seating

First and foremost, your Airbnb living room needs comfortable seating. This could be a plush couch, a cozy loveseat, or even a comfy chair with a footrest. If space allows, consider adding sleeper sofas for extra sleeping space. Remember, the key is to provide enough seating for your maximum occupancy.

Tables

Tables provide essential surface area in an Airbnb living room.
Tables provide essential surface area in an Airbnb living room.

Next, you’ll need tables. A coffee table and end tables provide a surface area for guests to place their drinks, snacks, or devices. If space is limited, consider nesting tables that can be expanded or tucked away as needed.

Internet Access

In today’s digital age, WIFI is a must. Make sure your internet password is easy to find, and consider providing router reset instructions just in case. A stable and fast internet connection is especially important for guests needing to work during their stay.

Functional Lighting

Good lighting is crucial for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to a strong overhead light, consider adding lamps with softer light throughout the space. This allows guests to adjust the lighting to their liking, whether reading a book or watching a movie.

Local Recommendations

Lastly, provide local recommendations. These could be in the form of a house manual, pamphlets, or guidebooks. This helps your guests plan their stay and shows that you’re a thoughtful and knowledgeable host.

Great Additions to Your Airbnb Living Room

Once you’ve covered the basics, it’s time to think about the great additions. These are the items that can elevate your Airbnb living room from good to great.

Decorative and Functional Items

Adding decorative and functional items like throw pillows, throw blankets, and books can make your living room more inviting. Throw pillows and blankets add a touch of comfort and style, while books can provide entertainment for your guests.

Entertainment

Entertainment options are great additions to any Airbnb living room.
Entertainment options are great additions to any Airbnb living room.

Speaking of entertainment, consider adding board games, playing cards, and a smart TV with access to Netflix and Hulu. These can provide hours of fun and relaxation for your guests, especially on rainy days or quiet nights in.

Personal Touches

Don’t forget to add personal touches. This could be a guest book where guests can share their experiences or personal stories. These small details can make your guests feel more at home and appreciated.

Best Kept Secrets for an Amazing Airbnb Living Room

Now, let’s delve into the best-kept secrets. These are the things that can truly set your Airbnb living room apart.

Room Enhancements

Room enhancements like an area rug, mirrors, and plants can make a big difference in your living room. An area rug can add warmth and comfort, mirrors can make the space look bigger, and plants can bring a touch of nature indoors. These items not only enhance the aesthetics of your living room but also improve the overall guest experience.

Personalized Ambiance

Creating a personalized ambiance is another secret to an amazing Airbnb living room. Consider adding speakers with an audio jack cable or Bluetooth for guests to play their favorite music. This allows guests to set the mood and feel more at home.

Unique Features

Lastly, consider adding unique features like a fireplace. If you have a fireplace, provide a fireplace basket with all the necessary tools and a fire extinguisher for safety. This can be a great selling point for your listing, especially during the colder months.

Design Tips for Short-Term Rental Living Rooms

Designing an Airbnb living room is not just about filling the space with furniture and decor. It’s about creating a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. Here are some design tips to help you achieve that.

Maximizing Space

Maximizing space is crucial, especially for smaller living rooms. This could mean choosing furniture that doubles as storage or arranging the furniture to make the room feel larger and more open.

Choosing a Theme

Unique features can set your Airbnb living room apart.
Unique features can set your Airbnb living room apart.

Choosing a theme can help guide your design choices and create a cohesive look. This could be a color scheme, a style (like modern or rustic), or even a concept (like the beach or mountain cabin).

Artwork

Incorporating artwork can add personality and character to your living room. This could be paintings, prints, or even local art. Just make sure the artwork complements the room’s overall theme and color scheme.

Textures and Patterns

Don’t be afraid to play with textures and patterns. This could be through throw pillows, rugs, or curtains. Mixing textures and patterns can add depth and interest to your living room.

Color Scheme

Lastly, consider your color scheme. The colors you choose can greatly affect the mood and feel of the room. For a calming and relaxing atmosphere, consider using cool and neutral colors. For a vibrant and energetic vibe, consider using warm and bright colors.

Additional Considerations for Your Airbnb Living Room

Finally, there are some additional considerations to consider when setting up your Airbnb living room.

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is paramount. Make sure your living room is clean and sanitized before each guest’s arrival. Fresh linens for the couch and clean surfaces can make a big difference in your guests’ comfort and satisfaction.

Safety Measures

Safety should always be a priority. This includes having smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a first aid kit in your living room. Also, make sure all electrical outlets and appliances are in good working condition.

Accessibility

Accessibility is another important consideration. If possible, make your living room wheelchair accessible. Also, ensure there are clear pathways and a well-lit entrance for easy navigation.

Personal Touches

Lastly, add personal touches like a welcome basket, a personal note, or local snacks or drinks. These small gestures can make your guests feel welcomed and appreciated and set your Airbnb apart from others.

In conclusion, setting up a short-term rental living room involves more than just filling the space with furniture. It’s about creating a comfortable, functional, and welcoming space that your guests will love. By considering the must-haves, great additions, best-kept secrets, design tips, and additional considerations, you can create an Airbnb living room that meets your guests’ needs and exceeds their expectations. Happy hosting!

Written by

With over six years of short-term rental hosting experience, Karolyn has helped hundreds of guests have an enjoyable experience. I love writing and am passionate about real estate, hospitality, and photography. Karolyn holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and enjoys sharing her experiences to help others.